Undergoing cosmetic surgery doesn’t only need mental and financial preparations. It also requires physical preparedness. The moment you’ve considered undergoing plastic surgery, you’re putting your body through a significant level of stress and trauma. Much of the injury comes from the pain caused by the surgical incision itself.
Setting a healthy mindset pre-surgery just won’t cut it. You need your body to be in full condition. One way to do this is eating the best foods to eat prior to cosmetic surgery.
Why do we need to eat the right foods pre-surgery?
Eating the right foods before undergoing a cosmetic surgical procedure has its wonders. Whether you believe it or not, that’s a fact. Eating the right foods before your surgery can help in your recovery. When you eat right, you’re providing your body the nutrition it needs to minimize any swelling, inflammation, and scarring.
Is fasting required before surgery?
Old methods are already considered outdated. Prolonged fasting is no longer required before your surgery. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) issued a ‘nothing by mouth’ (NPO) guideline that allowed taking in clear liquids until two hours before the surgery. This rule applies to all healthy patients undergoing elective procedures that require general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, sedation, or analgesia.
You don’t have to worry about not having to drink before your surgery. Don’t starve yourself but don’t also overeat. Doing both are unhealthy and may cause more damage rather than helping you.
What are the best foods to eat before undergoing a cosmetic surgery?
Before your surgery, try consuming the following types of food and drink:
Lean protein sources. Like eggs, tenderloins, steak, shrimps, poultry, fish, and turkey. If you’re vegan, then you may try hemp seeds, peas, nuts, and nut butter, chia seeds, quinoa and brown rice. Lean proteins are necessary to build or maintain muscle mass.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help keep tissues supple.
Consume at least 64 ounces of water every day to help flush toxins and keep yourself hydrated.
Clear liquids. Like apple juice, Gatorade, black coffee, or tea without any milk or cream.
Wines are good, but only in moderation. One or two small glasses daily would do.
Monounsaturated oils. Like extra virgin olive oil, walnut, canola or flaxseed oils.
Use anti-inflammatory herbs and spices for seasonings for cooking like curry, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, garlic, and onions.
Dairy Products. Go for low-sodium cheese and low-fat milk selection. Better yet, choose plain yogurt.
What are the foods to avoid before the surgery?
The moment you decided to undergo cosmetic surgery, you have to dedicate yourself to eating healthy. Along with this dedication is stirring away from unhealthy foods. Not only that they have long-term benefits, but they also minimize post-surgery complications. Here are some foods to avoid before surgery:
Processed carbohydrates. This includes all kinds of pasta, bread, and cereal. Aside from only adding more to your weight, they have little nutritional value.
Salt. Sodium can increase your blood pressure and may cause dehydration if consumed in excessive amounts.
Sugar. Eating too many sugary foods can cause problems before and after surgery especially if the procedure is lengthy and tedious.
Unhealthy fats that can be found in margarine and deep-fried foods, which contribute to clogged arteries and, worst case, heart disease.
Dressings. Avoid mayonnaise and other high-sodium dressings. While you avoid high-sodium dressings, there are also some low-sodium options like vinegar, low-sodium butter, vegetable oil, garlic, and onion.
Processed foods. Say goodbye to chips and crackers, canned goods. These foods are packed with high-sodium ingredients.
Cured and packaged meats. This includes bacon, cured meats, hot dogs, sausages and those that come in pre-made packages. No matter how delicious and tempting they can be, you may need to drop them.
Other Preparations before Cosmetic Surgery
Some habits may need to be paused or cut off before you have your surgery. Here are some habits that you may need to give up:
Smoking. Smoking may interfere with your wound healing. It constricts and decreases blood flow all over your body which may prevent your wounds from healing properly.
Drinking. It’s recommended not to consume alcohol in a minimum of 2-3 weeks before your procedure. Alcohol may cause increased bleeding, may increase the chances of infection, depresses your immune functions, and may interfere with wound healing.
These are the best foods to eat prior to cosmetic surgery. Remember always to ask your doctor for other recommendations and other preparations that this article may have missed. It’s best to go into battle prepared. So, follow your doctor’s advice, eat right and condition your body before having your most awaited cosmetic surgery.